The Color of Love

By: Gene Cheek

Narrated by: Gene Cheek

Length: 8 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

Nine years after Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, and only a year before the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a judge in the Forsyth County Courthouse of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, wrenched 12-year-old Gene Cheek from the security of his mother's devotion. Here is a true story of love in a time afflicted by hatred, ignorance, and racism. At its core, this is a frank account of a love affair between a White woman and a Black man that took mother from son and split a family forever.

In the early 1960s, the city of Winston-Salem struggled under the strict edicts of segregation, setting the tone of division that would plague Gene Cheek's life. Raised by his alcoholic father and his earnestly loving mother, Gene learned about the power of hatred and the strength of love. Yet when his mother fell in love with Cornelius Tucker, an African-American man, and became pregnant with his child, their union was seen as morally and lawfully unfit, forcing the family to choose between the infant and Gene. From a distance of more than 40 years, Gene Cheek recounts a life of constant struggle with his biological father. That tension briefly dissolved with the warm guidance of Cornelius Tucker, but that soon ended.

The Color of Love is Gene Cheek's story told in his singularly honest voice. Its sincerity and truth resonate with a plea for tolerance, and the irrevocable nature of the decisions and emotions of modern life.

©2005 Gene Cheek (P)2006 Kaleidoscope Pictures Media & Entertainment

Critic reviews

"This is a powerful story of love and forgiveness in the context of racial hatred during a tumultuous time in the South." (Booklist) "Cheek spins a mesmerizing yarn." (Publishers Weekly)

interestingly sad story

the story was very sad but believable. the performance was too stiff. the voice is very good for the story just needs more intonation, it's too flat. i live in Winston Salem so it's always interesting to hear locations mentioned you are familiar with, especially by happenstance. this would make for a very good movie i believe.

One of the best

This story is sad... but true. Having grown up in this same era it was very easy for me to identify with Gene. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is truly one of the best books I've heard in many years. You won't be disappointed.

Great book

Great book! Took the author awhile to get to the story but keep reading since it’s a great story and was told so well.

Amazing!

An amazing memoir and depiction of the realities of the Jim Crow south. This was a fascinating story, well written and very emotional. Thank you Gene Cheek, for your courage, your strength and your good heart.